- Match: Atlanta United vs Orlando City
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- Date: June 30th, 2018
- Final Score: ATL 4-0 ORL (Recap | Highlights)
Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino
On if this was the score line and performance he has been looking for the past few weeks:
“I think at home we should have performances like we did tonight. I also think that a few games back against Columbus Crew, we had a very solid game. Today was important, because we must play like that at home. And it’s important the way the team did it.
On how Julian Gressel performed in the Darlington Nagbe role tonight:
“I thought he played very well tonight. As he always does, he was able to get an assist on the first goal of the match to Josef (Martinez). It doesn’t matter, even when he played in an inside role like tonight, he is still able to provide assists for us. Just like when he plays as a wing back or on the right wing. Julian has become a very important player in the structure of our team.”
On Miguel Almirón scoring two goals tonight and turning the corner after shoulder injury:
“You asked me earlier this week how he looked. I said that he looked pretty good. I think he looked pretty good tonight. There is not much more to add.”
On Josef Martinez continuing to find the back of the net against Orlando:
“Yeah in the 3-3 game he had a hat trick against Orlando. I think it’s good that in the last two games, even besides the goals that he’s scored, he is participating in the game a lot. I would say that the form he is in right now is his best form of the season.”
On how he feels about his top talent being chosen to the All-Star Game and what it says about Atlanta United as a club:
“I think it’s exciting for everyone involved. It’s exciting for the city, for the players, for the fans. Even for the players on our team that were not chosen, it’s exciting. It’s exciting also for the coaches, this will be a new experience. We are going to try and put on a good game that everyone can enjoy.”
On if he’s familiar with Juventus:
“Yes, a little.”
On Jeff Larentowicz’s performance tonight and being able to play fast and create chaos:
“Jeff for my taste was the best player on the field tonight. I know they gave Mikey (Ambrose) the guitar tonight, but I would give a drum set to Jeff tonight for his performance. I think sometimes players just get accustomed to playing in a certain formation, and I think Jeff is more comfortable playing with a back four. I think our team is more comfortable playing with a back four. I think overall our team is better with a back four, even though we have won a lot of games with a back five.
I think in both facets of the game we did well tonight. In the first half, when Orlando sat back and defended, we were patient and also scored quickly. Then in the second half, when we dropped back and defended more, we were able to recover the ball and get out quickly on the counter attack with the fast players that we have. I think in both phases of the game we did a good job tonight.”
On the 4-3-3 formation and whether that formation helps Miguel Almíron get into space and ultimately score:
“I don’t know if Miguel is more comfortable in one of the systems. I think he’s a decisive player in both (formations), whichever we play. Yeah, he was able to score two goals tonight and made it look like he comfortable, but I think he’s a decisive player for us no matter what formation we play.”
On Mikey Ambrose’s performance and how he has filled in for Greg Garza:
“Recently in an interview I was asked about Mikey, and I said Mikey’s like a boy scout. He’s always prepared. Even when he’s called on in isolated instances to play, he’s always ready. Now that he’s playing more consistently he’s even more ready to contribute.”
On whether that early goal helped break a rut after Atlanta’s struggles against Portland:
“I think it’s always important to score the first goal. A lot of teams come in here and try to defend, whether that’s their game plan or us dictating the game. It’s very important to score first because I think scoring a goal first is just as important as not giving up a goal. We’re going to play the same whether we’re a goal ahead or a goal behind. Other teams who like to sit back and defend, it makes it difficult for them when you score the first goal and they have to change a little bit.”
On Miguel Almirón:
“Miguel has a commitment to the team, I’m talking about his commitment to winning the ball back, pressing, he’s a player that’s always working. He’s an atypical number 10. Because he gives you everything that a number 10 gives you and he probably dispossesses players like a defensive midfielder. So as a player who always works hard, he’s never absent in a game, even a game where your team isn’t dominating the offensive facet of the game. It’s very rare to find a game where he’s not… I’m going to refer to the game against Columbus. He worked like he does every game but he didn’t have as much participation offensively. The one time he did he plays in Tito for the goal to make it 2-0. I can’t find a game where his work rate isn’t showcased. Other players may play better than him, but for a coach to find a player who plays that position and that level of commitment, it’s very valuable.”
On Miguel being an example to others:
“Yes because Miguel is probably the most prominent player that we have in Atlanta. Probably the one with the greatest projection. So naturally, his teammates don’t overlook that commitment that we were talking about. This is a league where the biggest figures, from both the public’s recognition and economically, make a big difference compared to the rest. That doesn’t always coincide with the effort. With Miguel, if there’s anything guaranteed it’s the effort. So the rest of the team should say, ‘If he has that commitment, how are we not going to have it ourselves?’ It’s a great image for the team that he does what he does.”
Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz
On if the team was due for a score like this one:
“That’s kind of what you expect from us. It’s a difficult league though. We’ve had some really tough games at home this year and last game was an example of that. Teams are going to come in and really fight. I think we were extremely focused tonight, and I think tonight was similar to the last game, and we wanted to kind of rectify the things we did poorly in the last game.”
On what it was that made the team so focused tonight:
“Don’t get me wrong, the crowd is fantastic, but I think if the building was empty, the performance is going to be similar because we’re focused on getting the win and before the game, we drew a big zero on the board and said ‘we want to hold it at zero’ and when you score in the third minute, that means if you get a zero, you can win, and I think that it was a team performance tonight. Again, don’t get me wrong, 70,000 is awesome, but we were extremely focused on the game.”
On the importance of attacking early in tonight’s match knowing Orlando has been through a rough patch recently:
“Yeah, I think you said it. I’ve been on teams where every week you come out and know its going to be a tough game. Especially when you go away from home. Especially, I’m sure, when you come in this building for an away team to come in and concede in the first five minutes, its going to be tough. We said that as well, score early, get on top of the game and I think that a team that’s been through some tough times, it’s going to be tough to come back from that.”
On if you could tell the Orlando players had been through a difficult stretch by their behavior:
“No, I think they continued to fight but regardless, I think if you limit your chances and you’ve got a goal on them it’s... you can make it tough. I think as well we had a lot of the ball and we wanted to limit their counter attacks and opportunities on set pieces which are two things. I think we probably didn’t do as well last week that we took care of this week.”
On the fact that this was the largest soccer crowd in the world today and if it is something he’ll tell his kids about:
“Right now, my kids won’t understand that (laughs). I mean, that’s incredible. Especially during the World Cup and obviously the city has just embraced us and continued to, and it’s been really special. You know, a player like me, who’s been around a while, playing in front of 6-8,000 people at Arrowhead and 10-12,000 at Gillette, this is truly special.”
Atlanta United forward Miguel Almirón
On the goal celebration with Josef Martinez:
“It’s Fusion from Dragon Ball Z. It’s a cartoon show that I watched when I was younger, and I told Josef that we’re going to do it.”
On scoring twice against Orlando City SC:
“I’m really happy with the victory, more so because of how the team played as a whole and not because of the goals. I think we defended well. We were solid at the back and good at every line on the field. I think that helped us a lot.”
On things changing in second half and more chances:
“I think in general we played well the whole game. I think in the first half, we had a lot of possession and got the goal quickly to start the game. I think in the second half, the game just opened up for us.”
On if he feels more comfortable playing with four attacking players:
“I think any formation that we play one would feel comfortable with the level of players that we have on the team. Playing with Josef (Martinez), Tito (Hector Villalba), Julian (Gressel) and (Darlington) Nagbe when he’s healthy, I think it doesn’t matter the formation, I feel comfortable playing with those guys.”
On playing together as starters for just the second time this season with both Josef Martinez and Tito (Hector Villalba):
“We played all last season together as starters so it’s nothing new playing with those guys and those guys make everything easier for me.”
On the next game:
“We haven’t won anything yet. We have to keep our feet on the ground. There’s a lot of finals still left to be played. We just have to keep working hard.”
On how he sacrificed in this game:
“Yes. That’s what coach asks of us. He asks every player to do everything he can for the team. I just want to do whatever I can to help us.”
On if he knew the game was the largest attended soccer game in the world today:
“Yes. I think that’s something that’s now normal for the fans here in Atlanta. My teammates and I are all grateful for the support.”
On why they celebrate with Fusion from Dragon Ball Z:
“No. Nothing really. I just like the show, and I suggested it as a celebration.”
On how important it was for Atlanta United to score four goals in today’s match:
“I thought we played well against Columbus, but we weren’t able to get four goals. I think today we played really well, but as I’ve said, we haven’t won anything yet, so we have to keep working hard. It’s not really a goal scoring drought since we scored a goal against Portland.”
On how it feels to be chosen in the MLS All-Star Game:
“I’m really happy and just really appreciative of all the fans because thanks to them, I am where I am in the game.”
Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst
On Miguel Almirón’s two goals:
“He was fantastic for us tonight. You could tell from the first minute he was up for it. He was sharp. I think it’s the best he’s looked since he had a little bit of the shoulder issue. Offensively and defensively, he made a couple of big plays defensively especially in the first half. When he’s doing that you know there's no stopping him. He’s going to have a heck of a game and he did that. That first goal is important it opens up the game. When that happens and Miggy (Almirón) can open up some space, he’s the best player in the league for sure.”
On importance of winning a game after a month:
“Very important. To have success in this league you have to win your home games and fortunately for us, we’ve been very good on the road when we haven't been that great at home, but we need to make sure we are taking advantage of these home games, that we are making this place that other teams fear coming too. Teams are weary when they come here because you see teams pack it in a little bit, but that's not an excuse we need to be good like we were tonight, and we have to move the ball quick. The early goal makes such a big difference it just kills the other teams game plan. It allows us to be a little more patient and when we’re doing that we are at our best.”
On Julian Gressel's performance replacing the injured Darlington Nagbe:
“He was fantastic. He’s so versatile. He can play inside, outside, he just does the job, but offensively and defensively, he was good. He was able to combine and obviously, he still whips in a ball for the first goal, so he’s got quality wherever he plays on the field. It was a big performance for his first game in there in (Darlington) Nagbe's absence.”
On the importance of getting another win against Orlando:
“Any win is big, that one particularly because... I don’t know if it’s a rivalry or not, if it is or it isn’t. The fans love it, they’re into it. I thought tonight was probably the loudest I’ve heard the stadium and that's saying something because it’s loud every time we play here but tonight, it was particularly loud. It gives us confidence. I think it’s been a while since we’ve scored that many goals and felt good about our performance along with a win at home. Especially on this road trip we are about to go on we want the confidence going on to that because it’s going to be a tough road trip.”
On the difference it makes when Ezequiel Barco, Tito Villalba, Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón all start:
“It definitely doesn’t hurt. Those guys are among the most talented guys in the league, you can see that they combine very well. They all bring their different strengths to the table. Tito (Villalba) didn't get in behind as much tonight and that’s usually deadly for us, and I thought Barco was sharp for us tonight combining with Miguel (Almirón) and Josef (Martínez) and those two guys were fully on their game. It’s nice to have those guys, I wouldn’t want to defend against them for 90 minutes especially on this fast turf, so fortunately they’re on this team, and they had a big game tonight.”
Atlanta United midfielder Julian Gressel
On his assist to Josef Martinez:
“I saw Josef’s run, and I was able to put the ball there. I was lucky it went through one of the defenders, but it worked out.”
On his first job while playing the center-mid position:
“It’s a balance. It’s a lot of balancing between going forward and being aware defensively. The partnership with Jeff (Larentowicz) has to be good. Whenever he drops, for example, in between the centerbacks, and I have to be the holding midfielder. When he’s in front and we’re on the front foot, I can also get in the box and get on crosses. It’s just balancing and being on the ball to keep it moving and not have easy turnovers.”
On the team’s gained momentum and confidence going into a two-game road stretch:
“It’s huge. We said it today that we really wanted to win. Parky (Michael Parkhurst) said it before the game, ‘We haven’t won here in over a month.’ That can’t happen. This was a good performance. We said we wanted to go up one goal pretty early, and we did. Then, we managed the game from there. It was a good performance – a good win. It’s a good result that we’ll take on the road now, and see what we can get on the road. We’ve been pretty good there, so we just have to continue that.”
On what Julian Gressel needs to work on in his new role at CM:
“I just need to evolve the partnership with Jeff if I’m staying in there. It’s obviously up to the coach. I just need to get a little more comfortable with the pieces around me, being a little more center oriented instead of just having to work with Franco (Escobar). Now, I’m playing with Miguel (Almíron) and Jeff (Larentowicz), so there’s a few more pieces. I think I did a pretty good job today, and we’ll continue that.”
Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco
On being selected to the MLS All-Star Game:
“I think it’s going to be a beautiful game against Juventus. Right now, we are focused on the next game on the road at FC Dallas. After that then we will start thinking about the MLS All-Star Game, a little more.”
On the team scoring four goals today at home:
“The goals were really important for our team. Today, I was lucky enough to convert as well, but I’m just really happy with the performance of the team overall tonight.”
On controlling the midfield and then getting out on counter attacks:
“I think from the beginning of the game we took control of possession and Orlando was playing very defensive. I’m very happy with the team and with all my teammates tonight.”
On starting alongside Tito Villalba, Josef Martinez and Miguel Almirón for only the second time:
“Those guys are all really good attacking players. I think tonight we were able to attack vertically very well. As I said before, I’m just really happy with the performance of the team. Now I’m just thinking about the next game.”
Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan
On shutting out a rival:
“No, for us, it is all the same. We try to be hard to play against and limit their chances. The way the game unfolded, we got lucky a little bit in a couple situations courtesy of myself with the shot in the second half. I should have done better with that. But listen, they’re good players. Maybe not their best moment, but (they) dealt with everything fairly well, so it’s a good clean sheet.”
On if he knew game being the largest attended soccer game in the world today:
“I say week in and week out that it speaks volumes about our fans and it speaks volumes about our city to have this turnout week after week after week. You don’t take it grated and we’re lucky to be a part of it.”
On Julian Gressel’s performance:
“Yeah, I think he was great. I told him after the game, I told him exactly that. I thought he was great in the middle of the pitch, I thought he knew when to press and when to hold his position. Sometimes it’s not the easiest playing in there just because of the movement and ability of someone like Marco and Miguel. Those guys obviously wander around the field at times during the game and it’s important that other players play off of them and I thought it was great.”
On never losing to Orlando City:
“Anytime we step on the field we want to win a game. People will say that it is a big rival and this and that, but for us we know what it means to the fans. We know how important this game is in terms if being a conference game. So I wouldn’t put any more into it other than that. It’s important that every time we step on the field that we put together a performance that we can be proud of and build on.”
On Miguel Almirón and Josef Martinez:
“Listen, we all know their ability. We all know how good they are in the bowl. You know Miguel is a game changer and Josef is lethal in the box. But if you guys don’t know now, Miguel is a proper player. We’re fortunate to have him on the team and at this club. He’s a proper player. He will have a big future ahead of him, and we are lucky to have these guys on our team because for any defense for anyone around the world, it is difficult to deal with these guys for 90 minutes.”
On Mikey Ambrose:
“Definitely, we’re a team. It’s not just about 11 guys, 12 guys, 13 guys. We’ve got the ability to bring new faces into the mix and not miss a beat. He’s got the quality. He has got the futbol brain. He’s got the ability to get the job done, and we’ve seen that tonight.”
Atlanta United midfielder Andrew Carleton
On how it felt getting his longest appearance with the senior team today:
"It was awesome being out there for a few good minutes. The atmosphere is insane and just to be able to see that your hard work paying off and you know that's something I had been working towards to try to get more and more minutes with the first team. You know, I was really happy to be out there and contribute and the guys played great tonight, and I thought it was a great win for us going forward because we've been in a little bit of a slump lately, so it was nice to be able to get out of it."
On if he thinks his attacking play with the first team starters such as Josef Martinez, Miguel Almirón and Ezequiel Barco is starting to progress:
"Yeah, the more you play with guys, the more comfortable you get. I mean you see like Miggy, and Josef and them they know where each other are going to be at all times and you know, that's something where the more you play with them, the more and more you're going to get used to. So, you know, as you play more, you'll get more comfortable, and they’ll trust you more and you'll know where they're going to be so I mean the more play together, the better."
On what Tata is telling him he wants him to work on:
"He’s just wanting me to keep developing and keep on being a team player. Getting to know the guys better and better and encouraging me everyday in training to be confident in yourself and to be able to not be scared of the moment. Playing in front of 70,000 people can be pretty intimidating so you've got to be ready and confident for that. But I mean, you know, he's an encouraging guy. I mean, always wants the best for you and is cheering you on every single day so, nothing too special but you know, he's right there in your corner cheering for you."
On his own feelings walking out in front of the 70,000, if he was intimidated:
"No, I mean, to me it’s just soccer. At least in an intimidating way. You know, the crowd brings a wonderful feeling, it makes it even more special to be out there and you know the atmosphere is insane but it just makes it even (more fun) to be out there and be able to play in front of that."
ORLANDO CITY SC
Orlando City SC head coach Bobby Murphy
On his overall thoughts on tonight’s match:
“It’s the same old story for us. Goals change games. We don’t even get two minutes in and we give one up. We then weather the storm and get back in the game. We created a few chances at the end of the first half and start of the second half. We grow into the game, but then we give one up on the break and then you’re opened up against them, that’s where they want you. We just have to find a way to stem this tide here.”
On the second half:
“Yeah, goals change games, you know what I mean? At 1-0, you’re still in the game and can stick to your plan. We were getting chances on set pieces, the odd chance here or there. I haven’t seen the full-time stats, but at halftime, we had as many shots as they did. We had some good opportunities in there, some good looks. Then, you get caught on the break one time, and you have to start opening it up. You have to chase the game down 2-0 and that’s where they can hurt you.”
On how this season has come down to being ‘unlucky’ at times:
“It definitely feels that way for sure.”
On if there is less uncertainty at the club now that the new coach is hired:
“Everybody just wants to get through this time. We all want to get to the other side – whatever that looks like. Hopefully, James (O’Connor, new head coach) can come in and with a new set of eyes look at things differently. Hopefully, he can push them through.”
On what needs to change at the club:
“Well, if I knew then I would have tried and fixed it. We wouldn’t be in the situation that we are in. I think it’s just that sometimes you need a break. You have to create the break. The team put in an honest effort tonight. I will always back my players when they put in an honest effort, and that’s what they did tonight. When you make mistakes though, you get punished for them.”
Orlando City SC midfielder Sacha Kljestan
On the second half:
“We were trying to keep it tight at the back, but off a corner kick – our own corner – we give up a counter-attacking goal. Then, we’re chasing, and they have too much quality to put the game away. I don’t know. It’s hard for me to find the words to explain what’s going on here. I don’t have many answers.”
On what needs to change:
“I don’t know. I don’t know man. I’m sorry I can’t give answers right now because I honestly don’t have any answers. I don’t know. I’m really sorry. I’m at a loss for words right now.”
On James O’Connor coming in as the new head coach:
“Yeah. I think it comes at a good time. It’s not going to be easy for us to dig ourselves out of this hole, but we’ve got to do it one game at a time. Positive side, the coach is coming in, and I think everybody is excited to have a new coach. Everyone’s got to prove themselves to him. I think we have some young guys that are hungry (and) that are hoping for a new chance. I hope the rest of us older guys that have been around show what we need to show to the new coach to try to get this thing going again. We’ve obviously got problems right now but we’ve got to do better. We’ve got a chance with the new coach, so we’ll see.”
Orlando City SC forward Dom Dwyer
On James O'Connor (the new coach) coming in:
“I’m very excited. He was an older player that definitely made an effort with me when I was younger. I have big admiration for him (and) a lot of respect for him. He was a player, obviously, with me in 2013, but he was basically a player coach then. He was very vocal. I don’t know specifically as a coach, but I’m very excited to have him here. I think he knows what this club is about. Someone who’s been there before. He’s passionate, and I think he’ll be a great addition for us.”
On if he's reached out to James O'Connor since being named head coach:
“No, not yet. I figured I’d wait until the storm passes, and see him face-to-face probably next week. We’ll have a good chat and get the ball rolling.”
On what needs to change with the club:
“We’ve got to get back to drawing board a little bit. Obviously, something’s not working right for us, and I think we’ve got to stay focused on the task at hand – that's being a competitive side and making the playoffs. We’ve got to start getting back to our winning ways again and get back to the side that we know we are. I think we’re a talented group of players and we’re not showing it now. We’ve got to roll our sleeves up right now, regroup and get back to it next week.”
